Easy solution for center console ambient light

[MadDog304]

I tell my wife sometimes that I am so smart that it actually hurts… but I have come up with an ingenious (at least I think) solution to the center console ambient light. The wireless charging pad and trays and even drink holders are dark at night and Ford seem to have missed putting an ambient light under the dash. For $12, I added a cool blue USB LED light. Adding a 90° adapter will point it in the direction needed.

I for one do not use the USB A port since my CarPlay is wireless, and I have the wireless charging pad. This makes a nice and neat solution. The adapters come in several formats, but the pack I bought had a up-and-down adapter. Of course, you need the down adapter for the orientation of the port.

The light will come on a few seconds after the door is opened. It will stay on for a few minutes after the ignition is cut off. I have tested it with the doors locked and unlocked. It always has cut off on its own after a few minutes. Of course, it will come on also during the daytime, but that should not be a big deal.

It helps tremendously and provides just enough light to access those front most compartments, and even helps the drink holders. If you were to think it was too bright, you could cover part of the lens with black electrical tape.

I am very pleased with how this turned out. I will include the Amazon links for both items that I purchased..

90 Degree USB 3.0 Adapter 2 Pack, (Up and Down) Right Angle USB Type-A Male to Female USB L Shape On The Go (OTG) Connector Extender Support Charge & Data Sync (5Gbps) for PC, Laptop, Mouse, Keyboard https://a.co/d/gYPyUYO

Zikefest 4PCS USB LED Car Interior Atmosphere Lamp, Mini LED Night Light, USB Interface Rock Lights, Car Ambient Lighting Kit, Universal Car Interior Accessories (Blue) https://a.co/d/9mm7Too



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[Maverick123]

Even easier with these, no need for the 90 degree adapter
https://www.amazon.com/Yourkar-Mini-USB-LED-Light/dp/B0DCZHLLJG/

 

[MadDog304]

Even easier with these, no need for the 90 degree adapter
https://www.amazon.com/Yourkar-Mini-USB-LED-Light/dp/B0DCZHLLJG/

Aahhhh!! You are correct. I did not see those of that what I could have bought

 

[JJach951]

I have three of those strung on a USB three way splitter. One on the console the other two hidden under the dash on each side. So I have ambeint light though out the front of the truck. I have an atlas blue truck so I keep the lights blue

 

[Maverick123]

PS: I'd wrap a layer of two of electrical tape (EDIT: or black heat shrink, to avoid the sticky goo) around the "lens" part, so it would hide the direct light coming from the edge of the lens. That would make the "ambient" effect even nicer

 

[rtphokie]

Good suggestion and finally a practical use for the USB-A socket. I wish Ford would have put 2 USB-C sockets there and stick a $0.50 adapter in the glovebox instead. The presence of USB-A in a new vehicle is going to make it feel older faster.

 

[gzebrick]

I went with simple USB lights that have selectable color and intensitity. A USB-A for the front, and a USB-C in the back. Plenty to pick from on Amazon, just make sure you get one that remembers the last setting so it always starts up in the correct color...

FWIW I can't believe the idiocy of Ford to offer built-in LED ambient lighting for the footwells and front door trims but didn't add any for the center console (where you need it most) and also cheaped out and didn't add anything for the rear. Cheap ass Ford, but $8 of USB LEDs solves the problem.

Link to Amazon Front USB-A
link for Amazon Rear USB-C

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